mvm

mvm is a portable, stack-based virtual machine designed to execute Go programs directly from source without the need for a compiler. It is tailored for users who want to run, embed, or extend Go applications dynamically, offering compatibility with Go source code and aiming for full language support. The platform is also suitable for developers looking to integrate a Go interpreter into Go, C, or other host applications, making it a flexible tool for embedding scripting or dynamic execution capabilities.

Among its features, mvm includes an integrated interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop), a debugger, and a test engine, which facilitate development, debugging, and testing workflows. The tool is delivered as a single static binary that bundles the full Go standard library, providing a comprehensive out-of-the-box experience. Users can run Go source files, evaluate inline expressions, and execute test functions within packages directly through command-line subcommands. The virtual machine is designed for low overhead, emphasizing performance and portability, as highlighted by its benchmarks.

mvm is distributed under the BSD-3-Clause license, allowing for flexible use and integration in various environments. It can be installed via standard Go tooling and is available for experimentation in the browser. The tool is positioned within the class of virtual machines and bytecode interpreters for Go, with a focus on embeddability and dynamic extension of applications.